Police in Mutare and Rusape stopped the MDC 'freedom' marches, in which the opposition is demanding a new constitution and free and fair elections. On Thursday police chiefs in Mutare issued a prohibition order barring the party from marching. That same day the MDC filed a court challenge which was only heard the next day on Friday. A magistrate ruled that protesters could not march into the city centre but should move to a venue outside town where their leaders could address them. Protesters gathered at the Beit Hall in Sakubva Township with the intention of marching through the city centre on their way to Meikles Park. But police blocked the procession into town and MDC MP Giles Mutsekwa later addressed supporters at the Beit Hall.

The march in Rusape and another one pencilled in for Makoni Central did not happen, as a result of the last minute cancellation by police. Speaking to Newsreel party spokesman for Manicaland Pishai Muchauraya said the decision by the magistrate to side with the police was political. Only last week Wednesday a similar march planned for Harare by the MDC was brutally disrupted by police who beat up and tear-gassed protesters. A judge in Harare then ruled that protesters could not move through the city centre but should head for the Glamis stadium outside the town centre. The judgements all seem to be designed to dilute planned protests into mere rallies, where leaders can only address their supporters.

Police had earlier on granted permission for the marches in Mutare and Rusape and are obviously playing a game with the opposition. Under new amendments to security laws published in January the police are required to produce affidavits as evidence, if they should decide to ban a meeting for any reason. This has not happened in Mutare where again the police have only said they received intelligence the marches would be disrupted and turn violent. Asked if the MDC remained confident of winning a free and fair election under these conditions Muchauraya said it was clear the election would be rigged.